Diners' Choice: Good for special occasions restaurants in Hawaii / Big Island

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for the best special occasion restaurants in Hawaii / Big Island? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Merriman's – Waimea – Big Island

4.9

4.9 (9689)

$31 to $50

Hawaii Regional Cuisine

Kamuela

About the restaurant

Located in the heart of the Big Islands farm community is Peter Merriman's original restaurant; Merriman's Waimea. Chef/Owner Peter Merriman is one of the founders of Hawaii Regional Cuisine and uses 90% or more of local produce, fish and beef. All dishes are handcrafted to highlight the natural flavors of each menu item. Our award winning wine list has selections for all to enjoy. Merriman's knowledgeable and friendly staff will guide you through a culinary experience you will not forget. We look forward to serving you!

Top review

SusanVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Absolutely fabulous food and service ! Each time we go we say THIS is the best meal ever!

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Experience

Festive Season 2024 Prefix Menu

Experience

Christmas & Christmas Eve 2024

Experience

New Years Eve 2024

Engawa by Islander Sake Brewery

4.9

4.9 (210)

$50 and over

Japanese

Kohala Coast

About the restaurant

Welcome to Engawa, a small restaurant limited to 20 guests per night, where we offer an exquisite experience of Japanese cuisine. We invite you to indulge in a memorable dinner experience. Our menu is a celebration of traditional Japanese cuisine, featuring an array of exquisite dishes prepared with the finest local ingredients. From fresh sushi and sashimi to hearty tempura and other savory dishes are crafted to bring out the authentic flavors of Japan. Enjoy a unique culinary journey with chef & brew master Chiaki Takahashi, where each dish complemented by our award-winning hand-crafted sake, designed to enhance your dining experience.
At Engawa, we pride ourselves on providing not only exceptional foods but also an inviting atmosphere and impeccable service. To ensure you have a wonderful evening with us, we recommend making a reservation. Our attentive team is here to accommodate your needs and preferences, making your visit truly special.

Top review

SarahVIP

Dined on Dec 13, 2024

We’ve traveled all over the world to eat. This place could compete with any of the best places. The sake was extraordinary. Even the rice - the rice was the most delicate and silky rice I’ve ever had. If you miss this place, it’s on you. You’re not really living and you’re missing out on something very special. You owe it to your palette. The service was impeccable as well. Just go.

Beach Tree Restaurant, Bar and Lounge

4.8

4.8 (879)

$30 and under

Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service

Kailua-Kona

About the restaurant

Beach Tree Bar & Lounge at Four Seasons Resort Hualalai is a casual dining option set along the sand and overlooking the ocean, perfect for sundowner cocktails. Toast the sunset with unforgettable views, local flavours, creative cocktails and more.

Top review

TimothyVIP

Dined 4 days ago

The venue is outstanding. Right on the coast line. You have to experience the sunset. Valet parking for those not staying at the 4 seasons at no cost if you are dining. Food was excellent. Drinks a bit over priced. Hospitality was great.

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Popular dish

Spaghetti "Cacio e Pepe"

Experience

Tide to Table Amalfi Under the Stars

Meridia

4.7

4.7 (2045)

$31 to $50

Mediterranean

Kohala Coast

About the restaurant

Inspired by the Mediterranean, dedicated to the islands. Featuring a charcuterie and crudo bar, brilliant cocktails, and an award winning global wine list framed by the forever views of Hapuna Beach, Meridia presents innovative cuisine in an unrivaled setting. Named by Hawaii Magazine as 2019's Best New Big Island Restaurant, and 2018 Restaurant of the Year by the American Culinary Federation.
Located at the Westin Hapuna Beach Resort.

Top review

JudyVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Our server Michael was excellent! The food was outstanding! The music and ambiance of the restaurant really made for an amazing night! One of the best meals we’ve had in a long time!

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4.6

4.6 (1096)

$31 to $50

Farm-to-table

Kamuela

About the restaurant

Reflecting a journey through the Mediterranean, set against a spectacular Pacific Ocean backdrop, choose between colorful mezze platters, a selection of tender kebabs from Hamakua raised lamb to Kahua ranch beef sirloin, signature grilled seafood dishes including Whole Kampachi and Mibrasa Style Branzino with ladolemono & Waimea cherry tomatoes, as well as wood-fired pizzas and fresh salads. This beloved al fresco eatery embraces the rich culinary traditions of Coastal Mediterranean cuisine with the tropical beauty of Hawai’i to offer a rich tapestry of dishes highlighted by locally-sourced produce and seafood.

Top review

CesarVIP

Dined 5 days ago

Great location with savory fresh ingredients. Kitchen was slow but the fantastic location help the wait. Great GF options and they have cauliflower pita bread.

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Popular dish

Margherita Pizza

Experience

Rhythm and Brunch at Halani

Miyo's Restaurant and Izakaya Bar

4.6

4.6 (193)

$31 to $50

Japanese

Hilo

About the restaurant

A local favorite, Miyo’s Restaurant has served the Hilo area since 1987. Under the direction of it's owner, Louis Pauole, Miyo's Restaurant serves up homestyle Japanese food using quality ingredients and it's beloved recipes created by Miyo herself!

Come and enjoy entrees such as Hot Pots, Curry, Teriyaki, Tempura, Seafood and much more! While you're awaiting your delicious meal, you can also sip on a handcrafted cocktail made by our talented bartenders from our Izakaya Bar - Hilo's newest hot spot! With a full bar, 15 beers on tap, an exclusive evening tapas menu and a cozy, rustic atmosphere, there's something for everyone!

Top review

Margaret

Dined on Dec 14, 2024

I dine at Miyos often and I’ve never had a bad experience yet

Miller & Lux Hualalai at Four Seasons Resort Hualalai

4.6

4.6 (151)

$50 and over

American

Kaupulehu

About the restaurant

The highest-quality steaks with impeccable flavor from the best ranches in America; a robust raw bar; fresh sustainable seafood; and farm direct vegetables – all perfectly complemented by a globally curated wine list – combine to inspire the next chapter in Chef Tyler Florence’s mark on innovative American cuisine. The Miller & Lux cocktail program is curated using seasonal Hawaiian ingredients and artisanal spirits from around the world.

Top review

Darlene

Dined 3 days ago

My husband and I have been to Four Seasons Hualalai several times and but just recently decided to give Miller & Lux a try. Wow, were we surprised. As vegetarians, you might think there would be nothing to eat at a steakhouse, but Miller & Lux not only takes the steps to accommodate different dietary preferences, they don't make you feel bad about it in the least bit. Our server, Rachel, was the perfect career server. As a former business manager of a Chicago steakhouse, there is a certain level of fine dining service that is expected - and she exceeded all expectations. She was attentive, kind, and even with our later reservation (8PM) did not make us feel rushed in the least bit. We had a long conversation with her about living in the islands, her training at the Miller & Lux to prepare for the opening at Hualalai, and gave us thorough descriptions of the menu items to ensure that we were ordering the right amount of food. We ended up ordering off of the regular menu and the vegan menu to create our perfect vegetarian meal. The truffle deviled eggs (on a vintage egg plate!) was a dream and my risotto was just perfect. We will absolutely be back. 10/10!

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Experience

Cooking Class -Tyler Florence & Harvey Pasternak

Experience

Cooking Class -Tyler Florence & Harvey Pasternak

Manta at Mauna Kea

4.5

4.5 (1539)

$50 and over

Pacific Rim

Kohala Coast

About the restaurant

Manta is the signature restaurant of the iconic Mauna Kea Beach Hotel and has breathtaking views of the Kohala Coast. The menu is a curation of Pacific Rim cuisine with seasonal, local, and sustainably-produced ingredients.
Chef Bryan Nagao has gained formidable reputation in the international food community. He was once described by American media as "the most notable figures in rendering Modern Asian cuisine in the Northern hemisphere". The creativity permeating his cuisine stems from the diversity of his culinary background. Bryan's cuisine is a multi-faceted reflection of his Hawai'i Island birthplace, his Japanese ancestry, and decades spent in the finest restaurants in Hong Kong and Taipei.
Manta features live music on Tues, Wed, & Sat.

Top review

James

Dined on Dec 11, 2024

Amazing sunset views await on the deck, a limited seafood focused menu with Hawaii inspired flavors plus an extensive wine list. We enjoyed our meal and thought all food was delicious. The service was particularly good and attentive. However we would caution anyone expecting any extras for a special occasion, did not materialize.

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Mac-Crusted Mahi-Mahi

Kenichi Pacific

4.3

4.3 (1512)

$31 to $50

Sushi

Kailua-Kona

About the restaurant

Walk Ins are welcome or please call for personal reservations if there isn't an open time 808 322-6400
Kenichi Pacific, where your taste buds embark on an unforgettable journey! Located in the heart of Kailua Kona, HI, Big Island we pride ourselves on serving the freshest sushi, steak, seafood, meticulously crafted cocktails from locally sourced ingredients.
Our menu is a celebration of flavor, featuring daily sushi specials, that showcase the finest catch of the day, as well as unique Chef specials that highlight seasonal ingredients. Each dish is a masterpiece, designed to tantalize your palate and elevate your dining experience.
At Kenichi Pacific, we believe that great food deserves a great atmosphere. Enjoy our inviting setting, where friendly service meets a vibrant ambiance, perfect for intimate dinners or lively gatherings with friends and family. Join us for a culinary adventure that promises not just a meal, but an amazing experience.

Top review

LewVIP

Dined 1 day ago

The Misoyaki Black Cod dish is Michilen 3 Star entre!!!

WSW The Steakhouse | Breakfast, Sunday Brunch & Dinner

4.2

4.2 (1272)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Hilo

About the restaurant

WSW, The Steakhouse on Hilo Bay, located at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel. Serving Breakfast, Sunday Brunch & Dinner with Aloha. Relax in our floor-to-ceiling windows dining room, taking in the stunning views of the waterfront and the magnificent Mauna Kea for sunrise or sunset. Enjoy a Hilo-style steakhouse experience with an exceptional point of view!

We proudly feature the finest fresh meat, seafood, produce, products, and ingredients from local Big Island & Hawaii, WSW is the only true steakhouse in Hilo. All of our beef is Prime or Premium Certified Black Angus Grade, and we offer a wide array of fresh seafood to satisfy the quest for the ultimate "Surf n Turf" craving. WSW, recognized amongst our peers as the Best Wine List also features a comprehensive collection of fine and rare whiskies from around the world served table-side.

WSW is also the perfect venue for your private event or group gathering because we can host up to 300 guests.

Top review

Robert

Dined on Dec 14, 2024

Fish was a little dry and the lomi salmon was salty

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WSW Steakhouse Sunday Brunch Buffet

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